Arsenal’s point against Liverpool on Sunday didn’t quite qualify them for the Champions League, but the weekend’s results did get the Gunners a little closer.
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: The players of Arsenal pose for a team photo prior to kick-off ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Emirates Stadium on April 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
With Arsenal’s trophy hopes at an end, the one remaining thing to sort out is their final position in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s side aren’t yet guaranteed a spot in next season’s Champions League, and a point at Anfield on Sunday wasn’t enough to change that. But with that point gained by Arsenal, as well as points dropped by some of their rivals, Arteta’s team are right on the verge now.
The key thing is that Nottingham Forest are now realistically unable to overtake Arsenal, needing six points and a goal difference swing of 21.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 11: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool watches on as Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC at Anfield on May 11, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Arsenal can qualify for the Champions League on Friday, if Aston Villa drop points to Spurs. Chelsea dropping points to Manchester United in the other game would also effectively qualify Arsenal, given that goal difference advantage over Nottingham Forest.
If Villa and Chelsea both win, Arsenal can qualify for the Champions League on Sunday with a win over Newcastle United. Once again, a draw would effectively qualify Arsenal, thanks to goal difference.
If Arsenal lose and Forest win, Arsenal could still effectively qualify on Monday, May 20th if Manchester City lose to Bournemouth.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, embraces Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
In the worst-case scenario, where Aston Villa, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City all win and Arsenal lose to Newcastle United, the Champions League race will go to the final day.
As for finishing second, Arsenal would all but guarantee it by beating Newcastle on Sunday (Manchester City would technically still be able to make second, but they’d have a goal difference gap of 10+ to make up).
Losing to Newcastle would give Eddie Howe’s side the advantage for second place ahead of the final day, and a draw would keep Arsenal in the driver’s seat but likely needing a win away to Southampton.
Fixtures for the Champions League hopefuls
Matchday 37
May 16th: Aston Villa vs Spurs
May 16th: Chelsea vs Manchester United
May 18th: West Ham vs Nottingham Forest
May 18th: Arsenal vs Newcastle United
May 20th: Manchester City vs Bournemouth
Matchday 38
May 25th: Fulham vs Manchester City
May 25th: Manchester United vs Aston Villa
May 25th: Newcastle United vs Everton
May 25th: Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
May 25th: Southampton vs Arsenal
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